McKeel Superintendent Under Scrutiny

Maready was asked to work off-site for one week as employees were interviewed.

Harold Maready worked offsite as officials conducted an investigation into a grievance against him. He has since returned to campus.

Ledger file photo

By MARY TOOTHMANTHE LEDGER

Published: Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 8:25 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 8:25 p.m.

LAKELAND | The superintendent of The Schools of McKeel Academy was asked to work off-site for one week during an investigation into a grievance against him, school officials confirmed Thursday.

Harold Maready, top administrator of the charter school system, was not in the office for a week, said McKeel Board Chair Taylor Caffey. The superintendent was back at his office Oct. 31.

Details on the grievance complaint, which was still open Thursday, were not provided Thursday.

A conclusion into the matter is expected as early as next week, Caffey said.

The investigation process involved interviewing employees, Caffey said. The process was best handled with Maready off-site, he said, to ensure those who were interviewed felt comfortable.

"We asked Mr. Maready to remove himself from the premises of the schools and to work from a remote location so we could do a fair and unbiased investigation," he said. "It is done, and I'm waiting for the report."

Maready was not suspended and his pay was not cut, Caffey said. "He's back on premises. He was out just for the interview process, approximately one week, but he continued to do his duties from that (remote) location."

Board member Seth McKeel called the situation "unfortunate."

"Apparently there are some personality conflicts and internal strife resulting from some management decisions the superintendent made," McKeel said in an email response. "That is certainly unfortunate and from what little I know, a petty distraction."

McKeel, who is a state representative, is in Tallahassee this week for appropriation committee meetings.

He said he hopes the schools can stay focused on education.

"They should all re-focus their efforts on the business of running the school and advancing student performance," he said.

Caffey said care has been taken to follow the grievance process precisely.

<p>LAKELAND | The superintendent of The Schools of McKeel Academy was asked to work off-site for one week during an investigation into a grievance against him, school officials confirmed Thursday.</p><p>Harold Maready, top administrator of the charter school system, was not in the office for a week, said McKeel Board Chair Taylor Caffey. The superintendent was back at his office Oct. 31.</p><p>Details on the grievance complaint, which was still open Thursday, were not provided Thursday.</p><p>A conclusion into the matter is expected as early as next week, Caffey said. </p><p>The investigation process involved interviewing employees, Caffey said. The process was best handled with Maready off-site, he said, to ensure those who were interviewed felt comfortable. </p><p>"We asked Mr. Maready to remove himself from the premises of the schools and to work from a remote location so we could do a fair and unbiased investigation," he said. "It is done, and I'm waiting for the report."</p><p>Maready was not suspended and his pay was not cut, Caffey said. "He's back on premises. He was out just for the interview process, approximately one week, but he continued to do his duties from that (remote) location."</p><p>Board member Seth McKeel called the situation "unfortunate."</p><p>"Apparently there are some personality conflicts and internal strife resulting from some management decisions the superintendent made," McKeel said in an email response. "That is certainly unfortunate and from what little I know, a petty distraction."</p><p>McKeel, who is a state representative, is in Tallahassee this week for appropriation committee meetings. </p><p>He said he hopes the schools can stay focused on education. </p><p>"They should all re-focus their efforts on the business of running the school and advancing student performance," he said.</p><p>Caffey said care has been taken to follow the grievance process precisely.</p><p>"We are trying to do things the right way," he said.</p>